I see that many people have already answered your question, but there was one answer I did not see that I wanted to share with you. You do not have to go to school. Everything you want to know can be learned with independent research. I am new to this hypertext web. I bet it is even easier to learn with it. School is very expensive. The greatest thing you can do in life is learn to learn with out being taught.

In line with what Tater said . . . 80% of my robot making skills I learned outside of class.

However, in school I was surrounded by very intelligent individuals that really influenced my own intellectual growth. School teaches you things that you didn't know you didn't know. It also forces you to learn things that aren't fun to learn, but can be very useful.

I didn't regret going to CMU for a second . . . but still debating on going back for grad school . . . I can teach myself whatever I want, but its the environment that can potentially accelerate that process

Plus, employers who know nothing about robotics can only judge you by your degree

all - thanks for all the info! i read through some of the links and plan to read more. i understand that a college degree will help in the long-run and plan to go that route. but in the meantime, i think id like to try some stuff and just have some fun - while preparing for school.

tater - what you say about learning to learn seems interesting to me because i feel like i always learn best when i actually get my hands on something and figure it out myself. games are like that too. its one thing to know what to expect and another to actually get in and do it.

also, i saw you posted to the thread about female androids... you have your own female robot!?!?!? i can't wait to see/hear about that!!!